In the former part of my history I have explained how the people had long been divided into two factions.

Justinian associated himself with one of these, the Blues, which had previously favoured him, and was thus enabled to upset everything and throw all into disorder.

Thereby the Roman constitution was beaten to its knees.

However, all the Blues did not agree to follow his views, but only those who were inclined to revolutionary measures.

Yet, as the evil spread, these very men came to be regarded as the most moderate of mankind, for they used their opportunities of doing wrong less than they might have done.